Belongs to Switzerland, the canton Bern and Lucerne. Entlebucher mountain dog is the smallest of the four Swiss breeds. The first record of this breed originated in 1889. In 1924 the breed was in danger of extinction, but thanks to Dr. Hobler the breed has been preserved until today. Official standard was recognized in 1927. Originally it was used to guard property and livestock, and as a towing dog. In modern times it is known as a work and family dog.

Description of the breed

At the appearance the Entlebucher mountain dog is medium size, strong and firmly built, the body is slightly elongated. The coat is short, hard, shiny and tight fitting. The undercoat is dense. The coat has three colors: black with yellow to rust-red tan on the cheeks, above the eyes, under the tail, on all paws, chest and inner ears. White markings on the head, chest, paws and tip oftail must be present – preferably symmetrical. Care is not difficult, it suffices to regular brushing.

Character of breed

By the nature Entlebucher mountain dog pays attention to events in the vicinity, is intelligent, friendly, lively, confident, brave, trainable, flexible, loyal, independent, hard-working and compliant. Shyness and consequently aggression may occur at unsuitable upbringing. He is very attached to his owner and family members and wants to be part of the family. He loves children a lot, but it is necessary to raise him that in the game he does not exaggerate, because due to its agility and size it quickly happens to accidentally tip over a child. He is suspicious to strangers and in their presence draws attention with barking.

He needs a lot of movement to release his energy. The preferred environment is a fenced garden with a dog house, although it also adjusts staying indoors. Suitable owner: experienced, attentive, sociable, active. In education it is necessary to use positive stimulation.

Health of breed

The breed is not prone to diseases, but there may be problems with hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts (lensopacities-HR) and predisposition to obesity.

Because of the potential health problems in planning litters, watch for good health outcomes of both parents.

- hip dysplasia - to mate dogs that have HD-A-excellent or HD-B-very good, although breeding rules allow mating including HD C-good. Entlebuchers are often subjected to hyp dysplaisa- because of their comparatively long body, short legs and a great need for movement. Because of that it is important to pay attention to health results of parents when buying a puppy.

- elbow dysplasia

- retinal atrophy (PRA-progressive retinal atrophy). It is a hereditary disease of the retina that usually begins with night blindness ofthe dog and then progressing to complete blindness. The condition does not causethe dog any pain, but it is incurable. In order to avoid this disease PRA test should be performed (possible results are clear-negative, carrier or infected) and breed only dogs that have negative result (PRA-A x PRA-A-All dogs are 100% negative). When mating two dogs who are carriers or infected, it is necessary to make an account of the possible outcomes.

For easy illustration:

-00 = healthy (are not carrying,will not get sick),

- 0X = carrierr (he carryes,will not get sick),

-XX = infected (he carryes,he will get sick)

- 00 x 00 = 100% 00 – all offspring is healthy, no carriers

- 00 x 0X = 50% of 00-half of the offspring will be healthy, 50% 0X-half of the offspring will be healthy carriers